As a disciple of Jesus, as the Apostle Paul wrote, I have to kill the flesh-- or the "Ego" as I call it. Daily. As a filmmaker, I write about filmmaking techniques as well as my spiritual trek as a Believer. Browse through to find entries on camera techniques, acting, fundraising, as well as definition of Love, Purpose and separating Ego.

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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

I'm starting to budget out the next feature film and it's always a matter of figuring out what crew positions are needed. It's like diagramming the X's and O's of football. But instead of 11 players, you get to pick based on the economics and needs for that particular shoot.

I'm not really taking into account volunteers or interns. Usually every movie uses a few to a lot. And these can either be college students looking to fill their resumes, or can be people looking to get into films. For instance, on Striking Range, we had a volunteer for assistant hair/makeup. She did so well, that she now makes her living and is the go to indie film h/mu person for several producers. You also might find a volunteer who is looking to move up-- somebody that has PA'd in the assistant director's department might volunteer to be the second. Though more common is to take a pay cut to work upwards.

Then you have day players as needed, which can include Special Effects (smoke, fire, water, gags, squibs), Stunts, Steadicam, Crane, Weapons Master, special things. Also, you have vendors like the Caterer that comes with their own crew. And I'm not counting producers.

The Gaffer's department and the Key Grip's department, which all report to the DP are often referred to by a number. For instance "we had a 2 and 2 on that last movie." Meaning a crew of 2 for each sub department. If you have a script that needs massive lighting and rigging of huge silks and such, you might need a 5 by 5.

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About Me

I am married and have two children. I write and direct movies, including Striking Range with Lou Diamond Phillips, A Promise Kept with Mimi Rogers and Sean Patrick Flannery, Keyman with Adam Baldwin, and The Imposter with Kevin Max.